Pulpit Ready Sermon Outlines 21-38

21. UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS - KEY TO PERSONAL PEACE (Luke 23:34)
22. CHANGED BY THE WORD OF GOD (Psalm 119 Selected)
23. NO MORE TOMB LIVING: THE CORNERSTONE NOT THE HEADSTONE (Mark 5:1-6, 15-20)
24. BECOMING MIGHTY IN THE LORD (2 Chronicles 27; 2 Kings 15:32-33)
25. PRINCIPLES OF LIVING A SACRIFICIAL LIFE - (Rom. 12:1)
26. A COMMITTED CHRISTIAN (2 Cor. 11:22-33)
27. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
28. JESUS CHRIST - OUR SOURCE (Colossians Selected)
29. THE FAITH OF THE WISEMEN (Matthew 2:1-12; 2 Cor. 9:15)
30. THE DEBT OF LOVE I OWE (Romans 1:14-16)
31. LOOKING FOR OUR REDEMPTION (2 Peter 3:10-16)
32. REGAINING OUR EVANGELISTIC FERVOR (1 Cor. 9:16)
33. THE PROMISES THAT FOLLOW SALVATION (Isaiah 40:1-11-Selected)
34. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PLAN OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE (Jeremiah 29:11)
35. CORRUPTING THE WORD OF GOD (2 Corinthians 2:17)
36. DEALING WITH THE SIN OF ASSUMPTION (Lev. 9:16; Ps. 50:20; Prov. 11:13; 20:19; Ezek. 22:9)
37. FEAR OF LIVING AN INSIGNIFICANT CHRISTIAN LIFE (Romans 8:15-16)
38. MARY'S PRAISE OF GOD (Luke 1:46-56)

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UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS - KEY TO PERSONAL PEACE
LUKE 23:34
One of the highest forms of love is forgiving someone who has hurt you, especially when they do it intentionally. To tell one who hurt you that you forgive them may shock them into apologizing to you for their misdeeds. Unconditional forgiveness is one of the highest characteristics of true Christianity which can be manifested by a believer. It is with this trait that you may win many to Christ. So we must learn how to deal with those memories.
 
Consequences of an unforgiving spirit:
1. Emotional problems
2. A gradual increase in bitterness
3. Physical ailments
4. A gradual withdrawal from spiritual things
5. Satan will build a stronghold of hatred into your life, thus isolating you from others.
 
Once you have forgiven that person:
1. Determine at that moment you will not raise that issue with the person who hurt you.
2. Ask the Lord immediately for strength to squelch the desire for revenge.
3. Keep in mind those whom you have hurt in the past and how they have forgiven you.
4. As soon as you have forgiven that person, seek immediately to rebuild the relationship.
5. Pray for the one who hurt you on a daily basis. It is hard to seek revenge or hate them when you are praying for them.
6. Remember the cross, God's ultimate forgiveness
 
If you keep these 6 principles of forgiveness in mind, you will gain victory over a revengeful mindset and you will maintain stable relationships with all believers. True forgiveness is possible.
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CHANGED BY THE WORD OF GOD
Text: Psalm 119 - Selected verses
Some general principles concerning the Word of God:
1. God's thoughts are not ours - Isaiah 55:8
2. God's word will accomplish His will - Isaiah 55:11
3. God's warnings are absolute - Galatians 6:7
4. God's promises are absolute - -2 Corinthians 1:20
To be spiritually prosperous we must align our thinking with God - Psalm 119:26
 
How God's Word Changes Us - 8 Ways
Vs 7 - IT TEACHES US TRUE PRINCIPLES OF PRAISE. Some are:
A. It dispels fear of situation - 2 Chronicles 20:22
B. It is a declaration of God's workings - Psalm 9:11
C. Praise is evangelism - Acts 2:47
 
Vs 19 - IT DRIVES HOME OUR EARTHLY STATUS - IT MAKES THE DECISION OF OUR FOCUS BY DETERMINING OUR LIFE'S PHILOSOPHY.
A. None abides forever - 1 Chronicles 29:15 (David's prayer of Praise)
B. We seek a country - Hebrews 11:13-16
C. It brings reality into focus about planting roots.
 
Vs 45 - IT REMOVES RELIGIOUS RUBBISH FROM OUR LIVES - Liberty literally means "a wide space."
A. The truth makes us free - John 8:32
B. We are free in the Spirit of the Lord but not free to sin. - 2 Corinthians 3:17
C. Free from the law of sin and death - Romans 8:2
D. Free from the law of ritual - Galatians 2:4
 
Vs 50 - THEY COMFORT US IN THE VALLEY OF AFFLICTION
A. You may have to live physically according to your circumstances but you can live spiritually above them.
B. God gave us real people in the Bible so we may identify with them:
    1. Joseph as an example
    2. God ruled in their situation.
    3. God determined a purpose for their affliction.
    4. God was glorified in their affliction.
    5. God used these folks to teach us trust and consequences of mistrust like Saul.
 
Vs 59 - IT TEACHES US INWARD INSPECTION
A. Is there anything you do which causes uneasy feelings?
B. Am I trying to make God's way my way or my way His way?
C. It helps us to examine two vital elements of the Christian walk:
    1. Motive
    2. method
D. It causes us to ask if I am saved
 
Vs 67 - IT HELPS US PREVENT DRIFTING
A. It cuts off wrong desire at the point of thought - 2 Corinthians 10:5
B. It reaches into the depths of our spirit
C. It reveals the outward consequences of our actions.
D. It prevents Doctrinal drifting.
 
Vs 89 - GOD'S WORD IS UNMOVEABLE - James 1:17
A. It builds stability into our walk
B. It builds integrity into our walk (a soundness)
C. It maintains a clear mind and proper situational perspective
 
Vss 99-100 - TRUE UNDERSTANDING
A. It allows you to see what others cannot (even Christians) with deeper spiritual insights.
B. True insight results in Godly Wisdom
C. Godly Wisdom results in purer walk
D. A purer walk results in a changed Christian
THEREFORE, WE ARE CHANGED BY THE WORD OF GOD.
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NO MORE TOMB LIVING: The Cornerstone not the Headstone
Text: Mark 5:1-6, 15-20 (Parallel Text - Luke 8:26-39)
Verse 1-5 represents life without Christ:
 
Vs. 1 Gadarenes - from Gadara means walls:
A. Adam & Eve's sin built a wall
B. Our sins build a wall
C. Jesus came to confront those walls
 
Vs 2 As a result of sin, we live in a tomb:
A. Death is our constant companion
B. Cemeteries remind us of death (Church steeples remind us of life)
C. "But" John 10:10 - I am come...abundant life
 
Vs 3-4 No man could bind him:
A. The world contains all kinds of laws and programs to control people
B. Man cannot restrain sin, therefore it must be punished, Hell. (Man can't control man)
C. Sin indicates an independence from God:
    1. I will do my own thing
    2. Adam & Eve did their own thing - consequences of that decision
 
Vs 5 Inwardly man cries out for help: (Psalm 142:4)
A. Outward rebellion manifests a cry for help
B. Satan gives deceitful help:
    1. For love he gives perversion
    2. For peace he gives religion (Mars Hill - Acts 17)
    3. For self-worth he gives crime (opulent lifestyle of criminals)
    4. For life he gives death
 
RESULTS OF MEETING CHRIST
Vs 6 The demon caused the man to kneel and worship Christ:
A. Every knee
B. What ever binds us will be loosed when Jesus comes on the scene (Daniel 3:25)
C. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
 
Vs 15 SITTING - Figurative=rest, remain, beside
A. Peace - Isaiah 57:21
B. Security - Amos 8:12
C. Contentment - Isaiah 30:15
CLOTHING - (Perfect tense = completed action) (passive voice = Christ clothed him)
(This word used only here and in Luke 8 in reference to the demoniac)
A. Naked means "still in sins" - Revelation 3:17
B. Calvary's finished work - Revelation 7:9
RIGHT MIND - Sound mind, sane
God's gift is a sound mind - 2 Timothy 1:7
 
A sound mind is:
1. A spiritual mind - emphasis on spiritual values
2. A rational mind - making right choices
3. An active mind - Analytical - not allowing others to do your thinking for you (TV, media, etc.)
4. Dedicated mind - Orville Redenbacher said, "Do one thing and do it well."
 
Vs 19 He now had purpose where before he had only subsistence. The man now had direction and that direction was Christ.
Vs 20 He knew his purpose and he acted.
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Becoming Mighty in the Lord
Text: 2 Chronicles 27 (Key Verse 6)
2 Kings 15:32-33
Jotham means "Perfection of the Lord"
Jerushah means "He that possesses the inheritance"
 
A. Jotham was a co-regent with his father Uzziah from about 750 BC. He ascended to the throne about 740 BC and ruled till about 725-724 BC.
 
B. During this time Jotham learned to trust the Lord
 
C. He learned from his father: (2 Chronicles 26)
1. To seek the Lord early in his reign (Vs 5)
2. God's enemies are his enemies (Vs 7)
3. To prepare his people for the battle (Vss 9-15)
4. You do not disobey the Lord (Vs 16, 21)
 
D. IF I AM TO BECOME MIGHTY IN THE LORD, THEN I MUST HAVE A FOCUSED:
1. Prayer life - Psalm 5:3 (Exodus 33:11)
2. Praise Life - Psalm 135:1-3
3. Priority - Matthew 8:18-22
4. Philosophy - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
5. Profession - Galatians 6:14
6. Passion - Philippians 3:7-14 (emphasis vs. 10)
7. Patience - 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 (emphasis vs. 7)
8. Pilgrimage - 1 Peter 2:11-12 (Ephesians 2:10)
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PRINCIPLES OF LIVING A SACRIFICIAL LIFE
INITIAL TEXT: Romans 12:1 - The command
Sacrificial Mindset - 2 Cor. 12:15
Spend - actually means "will spend"
Be Spent - actually means "will be utterly spent"
 
Principles of Sacrifice - Leviticus 1:1-9
Vs 1 - "Out of the tabernacle" We learn the principles of sacrifice in the church & Bible. The world says look out for #1.
 
Vs 2 - A sacrificial life is spent among believers. There is no such thing as a Christian hermit. A sacrificial life is spent furthering the cause of Christ.
 
Vs 3 - "Without Blemish"=entire, integrity, completed. A sacrificial life means a mature life. 1 Tim. 3:6 - No novice "Of his own voluntary will" - Living a sacrificial life is voluntary. "Voluntary"=to be pleased with, as if to pay a debt.
Romans 1:14-15 - Debtor=One who is obligated
 
Vs 4 - A person living the sacrificial life allows themselves to be touched by others as Jesus was.
God recognizes the sacrificial life of His children only. - Proverbs 21:27
 
Vs 5 - The sacrifice is killed which means dead to self. It is killed before it becomes a sacrifice or else it will squirm to become free. The mortification of sin - Romans 8:13
 
Vs 6 - A sacrifice is groomed for the purpose. Everything is open, Achan in Joshua 7 & Hebrews 4:13
 
Vss 8-9 - A sacrifice is totally burned which means total commitment - No turning back - We are only stewards we withhold nothing. Aaron placed the pieces of the sacrifice and Christ will place you.
 
Vs 9 - A sacrifice is made unto God, not man. This means sincerity or else it is a blemished sacrifice and unacceptable (Vs 3)
 
Vs 9 - A sacrificial life is pleasing to the Lord
"Sweet savor" - Soothing fragrance - Philippians 4:18
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A COMMITTED CHRISTIAN
Text: 2 Corinthians 11:22-33
A Committed Christian is one who entrusts their entire being to the Lord Jesus Christ regardless of situation or result.
1. Lack of commitment pervades the church (won't be a faith partner but will tithe to car dealer for new car - future )
2. Commitment crumbles at the first sign of trouble.
3. Commitment is based on self-fulfillment
4. Commitment is a lost art.
 
Five principles why a committed Christian is a conquering Christian
 
A Committed Christian:
1. Views hindrances as opportunities - 1 Corinthians 16:8-9
A. Paul viewed the adversaries as a mission field - Romans 1:14-16
B. He viewed Ephesus as a wide door
C. He also viewed it as a place of effective service Acts 19:20 shows how Paul invaded Satan's territory
 
2. Lives a sacrificial life - 2 Corinthians 12:15
A. Willing to give themselves to others
B. Sacrificial people are motivated by love
C. "Less"=inferior or worse.- "I be loved" - Paul was not receiving love from the Corinthians. Because you love does not mean you will
     be loved.
 
3. Accepts the position God places them in:
A. They learn to work from and within the context of their weakness.
B. It gives a distinction between human effort & God's strength.
C. "He might buffet" in Verse 7 is in the present tense which means it is not single act but a consistent daily buffeting. Every believer has a thorn in the flesh, The thorn is not a sickness but it is symbolic for the unbelievers that daily attack. Judges 2:3; Numbers 33:55; Joshua 23:13; Psalm 118:22; Matthew 13:22
 
4. Is a Separated Christian - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
A. Separated in Mind - 1 Corinthians 2:16
B. Separated in Deed - Business, church, dating, marriage
C. Separated in Word - Mark 16:17-18
D. An unseparated Christian relinquishes both the power and authority given to us by God (not loss of salvation but loss of effectiveness)
 
5. Is a spiritual Warrior - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
A. They see beyond the flesh - Vs 4 (pulling down=Overthrow) 1 Samuel 17:26; Matthew 16:21-23
B. They know their spiritual arsenal is through Christ - Philippians 4:13
C. They project victory - dispels man's reasonings
"The church is a workshop, not a dormitory; and every Christian man and woman is bound to help in the common cause."
            -Alexander MacLaren
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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE
Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
CHARITY SUFFERETH LONG - Long Suffering - Colossians 1:11
AND IS KIND - A verb which denotes action - Acts 9:39
CHARITY ENVIETH NOT - Not jealous - Galatians 5:26
CHARITY VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF - Does not boast - Daniel 4:30
IS NOT PUFFED UP - Humility - Genesis 18:27
DOTH NOT BEHAVE UNSEEMLY - Proper Conduct - 2 Thessalonians 3:7
SEEKETH NOT HER OWN - Self-sacrificing - Matthew 16:25
IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED - Maintains a calm temper - 2 Peter 1:6
THINKETH NO EVIL - No evil desires - Philippians 2:5
REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY - Rebukes evil - James 4;7
BUT REJOICETH IN THE TRUTH - John 14:6
BEARETH ALL THINGS - (Beareth=Sustains against attacks) - Isaiah 53:7
BELIEVETH ALL THINGS - Exercises faith - Galatians 5:6
HOPETH ALL THINGS - Firm hope in God - Romans 4:18
ENDURETH ALL THINGS - The strength of endurance - James 5:11
 
Commentary on "All Things"
In 1 Cor. 3:20-23, Paul is exhorting these brethren not to glory in man. Especially in clinging to the teachings of one teacher as we see in the early parts of 1 Corinthians. In Vss. 21 & 22, Paul concludes that all things are ours. This refers to the glorious inheritance we have as Christians. Our relationship to Christ grants us spiritual intercourse with every believer in the world. In other words, every Christian belongs to every other Christian. Our relationship to Christ also grants us all the spiritual benefits of heaven, in the present and the future, (Eph. 1:3; 2:7). In 1 Cor. 13. Paul is affirming that true Christian love is a powerful enough force to rule in every situation, thus giving us the meaning of "all things."
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JESUS CHRIST - OUR SOURCE
Text: Colossians 3 - Selected Verses
What is your source when:
A. The bottom falls out
B. You lose your job
C. Basically when things go awry
 
What is your source of:
A. Strength
B. Comfort - Understands my situation
Christ is the foundation or undergirding power and strength in a believer's life.
Christ is our source in good times as in bad times - Job's famous declaration in Job 2:10
 
CHRIST IS THE SOURCE OF:
 
Vs 1 - Our resurrection
There are 2 resurrections:
A. First resurrection - Col. 2:13 - Spiritual - Hath he quickened "made us alive together"
B. Second Resurrection - John 6:40 - Physical - Bodily resurrection
 
Vs 1 - Our power for living - "Right hand of God) Luke 22:69>Eph. 1:20
Vs 3 - Our power for dying - Romans 8:13>Romans 6:6
Vs 4 - Our Life - Both physical and spiritual - (sustains spiritual life)
 
Vs 10 - Our New Image - 'Image from 'Icona' (we get word "Icon" from it)
A. Old image in harmony with old nature
B. New image must be void of old nature habits - Eph. 4:22
C. New image must be of Christ and His traits - Eph 4:24
D. New image must be in concert of who we are - Rev. 1:6 (we put on>Col. 3:12)
 
Vs 13 - Our Forgiveness
A. Every sin removed because of Calvary - Hebrews 8:12 & 10:17 (Col. 2:13 &14 "all")
B. Soul made as white as snow - Isaiah 1:18
 
Vs 13 - Our Ability to Forgive Others
A. We have been forgiven much - we must forgive others
B. Forgiveness is the chief Christian characteristic
C. To hold a grudge is of Satan - parable of wicked servant (Matt. 18:21-35 note vss 34 &35)
 
Vs 15 - Our Peace
A. He alone reconciles us to God - Romans 5:1
B. He reconciles us to each other "one body"="soma"
 
Vs 17 - Our Discernment in Questionable Things
A. When in doubt, do nothing - don't make an unsure move
B. Does it coincide with biblical truth?
C. How about your conscience?
D. What other questions in your life must be answered.
 
Vs 23 - Our Motivation
A. His life motivates our life
B. Working for Christ comes from deep in our soul - heartily "ek psuchos" = out of the soul
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THE FAITH OF THE WISEMEN
First Text: 2 Corinthians 9:15
Primary Text: Matthew 2:1-12
The Wisemen who journeyed to see Christ give us a good picture of faith and how it should work in our lives.
 
1. Vs 2 - They Believed The Sign God gave Them
A. Their Sign - The Star (Astera)
1. A natural view - very bright and easily star - personal star - not a major star like Polaris nor alignment of planets which occurred in
    6 or 7 BC
2. A spiritual view - Luke 1:78 - 'Dayspring" same Greek word as "Star"
 
B. Before Christ was 2 years old, He was already doing 3 things:
1. Drawing people to Himself
2. Showing the world He is the light - Malachi 4:2
3. Showing He was worthy of worship
 
C. Our Sign
The resurrection of Christ. - Matthew 12:38-40
 
2. Vss 3-8 - They were informed by the Scriptures
A. They went to Jerusalem which was the seat of the Jewish religion
1. Jerusalem is pictured as House of God - Jerusalem means "city or possession of peace"
2. Our direction comes at the house of God - Psalm 73:16-17
 
B. Vs 5 - They learned Christ's location from the Scriptures
1. I wonder what the wisemen thought that no inquiry was made by the ruling monarch in Jerusalem for 2 years. It was spiritual apathy - They were not looking for the coming of Christ in their generation as ours is not looking.
2. Vs 6 - He was born in Judah - Bethlehem
Hebrews 7:14 - No priest came from Judah - represents a complete change and departure from the Mosaic system. Christmas was the start of the unveiling of the mystery of the church and grace - God's salvation plan was now being unfolded.
 
3. Vss 9-11 - They Worshipped Jesus
A. They probably prostrated themselves
B. They presented their gifts, which were of prophetic nature:
1. Gold - Represented His Kingship
2. Frankincense - A bitter plant - represented His sorrows
3. Myrrh - Represented His death - It was used for embalming.
C. The gifts were probably used to fund their flight into Egypt to escape Herod's edict (vs 13)
 
4. Vs 12 - They followed God's direction to avoid Herod and to return to their own country.
The faith of the wisemen should inspire us to believe and follow Christ.
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THE DEBT OF LOVE I OWE
Text: Romans 1:14-16
 
The 1933 Chicago World's Fair had a model city of the future. There were no churches. The reason given is there was no need for churches.
 
There was a city in California called Century City. There are no churches in it.
Rudyard Kipling stated, "The human soul is a very lonely thing. We are born alone, we die alone, and in the depths of our souls we live alone."
 
Psalm 142:4 gives us a picture of the loneliness of man. He cries, 'no one cares for me."
How true is this statement?
 
2 Timothy 3:1 - Perilous Times
A. For only the unbeliever?
B. Also for the church, because I believe we are prey to the list of self-serving sins:
 
1. Unthankful
2. High minded - Puffed Up (Knowledge Puffeth Up)
3. A form of godliness - Form = Take shape of godliness - piety
4. Covetous - Do we befriend people based on what they can do for us?
If mind-sets like this pervade the church, is it any wonder why so many are lonely. We are the light and Jesus said we cannot hide the true light.
How do we fan the flame which would once again burn bright as the noon day sun?
 
Romans 1:14-16 - The Roman Trilogy
Vs 14 - Debtor - A Debtor is: [Responsibility]
1. One who is held to an obligation or duty - great commission
2. One who owes someone - Christ
3. One who must satisfy their obligations before themselves - deny ourselves
4. Servant to the lender - Proverbs 22:7
 
Vs 15 - Ready - A Ready person is: (Willing, Eager) [Reliability]
1. A ready person seeks opportunities to minister - they don't wait for it. - John 4:35
2. A ready person is a battle prepared person - Eph. 6:13-17
3. A ready person knows their purpose and acts - Mark 5:19-20
 
Vs 16 - Not Ashamed [Reliance on the Gospel]
First century thought about the cross was abhorrence, yet it remained the central teaching.
Why Paul was not ashamed:
1. He walked close to Christ - far from Christ creates coldness and fear. Mark 7 - Church traditions not based on scripture creates
    distance from Christ and truth.
2. Vs 16 - The power of God - confuses the world - Biblical absolutes not opinionated Christianity
3. Vs 16 - Focus on the power - Salvation
4. Vs 16 - The condition - Believing
 
Are you still believing? Not only in reference to your salvation but to your Christian walk? Is the power of God still evident in your life? Has the gospel become dormant or just a routine? Is it your life or is your life like it used to be?
Romans 13:1-12 - Our debt of love can only be paid if we are willing to go forth in the power of God, fulfilling our divine responsibility and believing Christ every step of the way!
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LOOKING FOR OUR REDEMPTION
TEXT: 2 Peter 3:10-18
Vss 10-11
A. Earth and Universe is dissolved
B. Simultaneous with Judgment Day - Rev. 20:11/Rev. 21:1
C. Knowing this - what is our responsibility as believers
1. Holy conduct - Conduct which becomes a Christian
2. Godliness 'Eusebeia" - Christian attitude and conduct which is the heart of the faith - (attitude determines conduct)
3 elements of 'eusebeia"
1. A general attitude of devotion toward God
2. A respect for fellow man (created in God's image)
3. A high regard for the truth of the gospel (without fanfare)
 
Vss 12-14
God adds a new dimension to our Christian walk and attitude - We are to look for the second coming
Look (prodoskao) = wait for, anticipate, look for, expect (waiting for someone you love, like going on a date)
Luke 1:21 -----"Waited" for Zacharias
Luke 3:15 -----"Were in expectation"
Luke 7:19-20 -"LOOK we FOR"
Prodoskao used above in an intense looking for something
 
Vs 12 - Hasting (speudo) = Desire earnestly, to hurry, strive (for)
Vs 13 - According to the promises of God - Isaiah 65:17; 2 Cor. 1:20 (Yea & Amen)
Vs 14 - Peace - Ephesians 2:14
Without spot - Leviticus 13:2 (leprosy - 3 chapters on leprosy 13-15)
Blameless - Phil. 2:15 - Someone who can't be blamed - God justifies His people - Romans 8:33
IN OTHER WORDS, WE MUST EXAMINE OURSELVES TO INSURE WE ARE SAVED AND THEN LIVE LIKE IT!
 
Vs 17 - WE KNOW BEFORE - Error of the Wicked - 1 Thess. 5:3 & 6 (Apathy and Sleep)
Daniel 12:2-4, 11 - Wise will understand (the believers)
Amos 1:1 - 2 years before the earthquake
Where we are according to Scripture:
These are the last days: (eschatos - 60 times - 13 inflections)
Acts 2:17; 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 1:1-2; Heb. 9:26; 1 Pet. 4:7
 
What warnings do we see in Scripture concerning impending judgments?
1. Noah - Noah's flood - Genesis 7:4 - 7 Days
2. Destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, & Zeboim (Deut. 29:23) Abraham was given a warning before their estruction - Genesis
    18:16-18
3. Nineveh was given a 40 day notice through Jonah - they repented but Nahum records their destruction 125 yrs. later,
    God is now warning us that the time is short - the culmination of the ages is upon us and the Desire of all Nations is at the door.
 
3 exhortations to a watchful life
1. Vs 11 - Be holy (in all phases of life
2. Vs 17 Be steadfast (firmly fixed or established
3. Vs 18 Keep growing
    A. As you grow in grace - sinful desires will recede
    B. As you grow in knowledge your walk will stabilize - will prevent Amos 8:11-12 & Dan. 12:4
    What will you now do with this information?
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REGAINING OUR EVANGELISTIC FERVOR
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:16
Preach = Euangelizomai = Evangelize
 
1. Threefold purpose of Christian existence:
A. Evangelism - Great Commission is a command for every Christian
B. Discipleship - (Parenting) Discipling young believers
C. Spiritual Growth - After the milk comes the meat
 
2. True Christianity has been sidetracked:
A. Social Gospel
B. Gospel mixed with worldly sciences (psychology, et al)
C. Word of God not preached as authoritative because many do not believe it is God's Word.
    Resulting in:
    1. No spiritual content - Ephesians 4:14
    2. No spiritual concerns
    3. No spiritual commitment
    3. Regaining our Evangelistic Fervor
 
The Need
1. A. Fresh awareness of Hell - Mark 9:44, 46, 48
2. A fresh awareness of our responsibility - Mark 16:15
3. To overcome our shame of being a Christian - Romans 1:16
 
The Method
1. Be a pupil of Scripture - Not man's works - Rom. 10:17
2. Be a focused prayer warrior - Acts 12:5 (not just Lord bless, bless, bless)
3. Plan a strategy - start small - Goals in steps - Creation was in 6 days, not 1
4. Proceed with what you know - Never will have all the answers - The unbeliever knows less about Christ and Christianity than you  
    do.
Summary of Method - PUPIL > PRAY > PLAN > PROCEED
 
The Nevers
1. Never concern yourself with the possibility of satanic hindrance. Satan has no authority over the believer. He cannot Prevent anyone's salvation. He was defeated at the cross.
A. Peter preached and 3000 saved
B. Remove from your evangelism vocabulary, "What if" in a negative context.
2. Never allow your profession to dictate your usefulness for Christ. Gideon was a wheat thresher and Amos was a Herdsman.
3. Never allow financial support to replace your personal involvement in ministry. If giving is all you can do, then do it.
 
Direct and Indirect evangelism has the same effect.
Direct - Handing out tracts, speaking one on one, preaching, etc.
Indirect - Giving money, sending tracts by mail, supporting missionaries.
 
The Dependence
Leave the results with God - Don't be anxious over what you cannot control. God is in control of salvation. You just bring the Word. One plants, one waters, and God gives the increase.
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THE PROMISES THAT FOLLOW SALVATION
Text: Isaiah 40:1-11
 
Vs 2 - WARFARE IS DONE
A. Romans 5:1 - Peace with God
B. Sins are forgiven and forgotten - Hebrews 8:12 & 10:17
C. Comforted by God's Mercy, not His judgment
 
Vs 4 - SPIRITUAL LIFE IS SATISFIED
A. "Valley Exalted" = No more seeking philosophies of life
B. "Mountains and Hills" = Kingdoms we sought (Psalm 121:1)
C. "Crooked" = The dark paths we trod
D. 'Rough Places" = God with us in adversity
E. "Plain" = A wide level valley between mountains (leveling of our Christian life)
 
Vs 8 - GOD'S WORD IS UNCHANGEABLE
A. 2 Tim. 1:12 - Paul knew whom he believed
B. Heb. 13:8 - Writer says Christ is same yesterday, today and tomorrow
C. Zephaniah 3:17 - He said God in the midst is mighty
D. Nahum 1:7 - Nahum said the Lord is a stronghold in the day of trouble
E. Micah 7:19 - Micah said he is compassionate
 
Vs 11 - HE FEEDS AS A SHEPHERD - Safe in the Arms of Jesus
A. A shepherd protects
B. A shepherd corrects wrong behavior in the sheep
C. "Gather the lambs" = A shepherd guards against future danger
D. A shepherd leads the flock
E. The true shepherd does not abandon the flock
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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PLAN OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE
JEREMIAH 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
 
God's Plan is:
1. Always Good - Genesis 50:20
2. Personal - Psalm 32:8
3. Detailed - Psalm 37:23
4. Joyful - Psalm 89:15
5. Replete with wisdom - Psalm 143:8
6. Continuous - Isaiah 58:11
7. Profitable - Jeremiah 17:7-8
8. Specific and Definite - Jonah 1:1-2; 3:1
9. Eternal - Ephesians 2:7
10. An Assurance - 1 John 5:13
 
Why we have trouble identifying God's plan
1. We hold on to pet sins - sin blinds
2. The things of the world crowd it out
3. We look in the wrong places for advice
4. We are really afraid to relinquish control of our lives to God
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CORRUPTING THE WORD OF GOD
Text: 2 Corinthians 2:17 - Corrupt=dealing deceitfully with
1. Adding or Subtracting Words - Eve (Gen. 3:2-3)
A. She did not know her enemy
B. She should have sought the Lord (James 1:5)
 
2. Adding or Subtracting Words - Sadducees - (Acts 23:8)
A. No resurrection, angel, or spirit
B. They had all the OT Scriptures
    1. Abraham's Visitation
    2. Lot's Visitation
    3. Manoah's Visitation
    4. Moses's Visitation
C. The Tradition of the Elders (Mark 7)
D. New Bible translations which chop up the word of God
 
3. Rationalizing it - Scoffers (2 Peter 3:3-4)
A. Mistaking the silence of God for no God
B. Since there is no God, they take liberty with the Scriptures
C. Their philosophy is chosen over the teachings of Scripture
 
4. Personal Gain
A. Ezekiel 22:27 - Like today's TV preachers and false teachers
B. Bishop Tetzel sold indulgences in the early 16th century. This practice caused Luther to write his 95 theses.
 
5. Doubting Parts - Wolves in the Pulpit
A. Sarah - Doubted she would have a baby
B. Zacharias - Doubted he would have a son (John the Baptist)
C. Today's neo-evangelicals who question parts of the Bible
 
6. Neglecting Parts of It - Saul
A. Saves the Amalekite King, Agag, and the best sheep, was to kill all. (1 Sam. 15)
B. sacrifices a burnt offering in violation of God's word (1 Sam. 13)
C. He seeks the witch of Endor (1 Sam 28)
 
7. Not Appropriating the Teaching - Corinthian Church
A. Preacher Worship (1 Cor. 3-4)
B. Lack of Church Discipline (1 Cor. 5)
C. Idolatrous element (1 Cor. 8)
 
8. Reject its teachings - Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36)
A. He cut it up (Vs 23)
B. No fear of rejection (Vs 24)
C. Our rejection has no effect upon the truth (Vs 29)
ADULTERATING THE WORD OF GOD DOES NOT NEGATE THE TRUTH OF WHAT GOD HAS DECLARED. IF EVERY BIBLE WAS DESTROYED IN THIS WORLD, JUDGMENT DAY WOULD STILL COME.
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DEALING WITH THE SIN OF ASSUMPTION
Preliminary texts: Lev. 9:16; Psalm 50:20; Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 20:19; Ezekiel 22:9
The sin of assumption carries the identical credentials as gossip.
 
1. All Assumption is not sin:
    Assumption of:
A. Dangerous situations
B. Routine situations
C. Partial Assumptions with facts in evidence (not conclusive)
 
2. Sinful Assumption:
A. Dogmatic conclusions without facts in evidence - Prov. 19:13
B. Random/fragments assumption - Prov. 19:13
C. Prideful assumption - Prov. 19:9
D. Assumption based on predilection of character
E. Assumption of outcome without seriously seeking the Lord
 
3. Three Principles of Sinful Assumption
A. Sinful assumption sets a person up as a god (omniscience)
B. Sinful assumption exalts the big 'I" by comparison with others "projected" faults.
C. Sinful assumption is akin to prognostication. If we can't read a person's palm, how can we read their mind.
 
4. How To Break Free from Sinful Assumption
1. Realize it is Sin:
    A. Confess it
    B. Repent of it
    C. Deal with it when it attempts to surface - After it surfaces, it is too late
2. Deal with reality through God's word. Filter each situation through the eyes and thought of God, not your projections
3. Understand our minds are sin-tainted and unable and incapable of sinless thinking, just like the one we are pointing our finger at.
4. Renew your mind through God's word daily:
    A. The helmet of salvation - Eph. 6:17
    B. Learn to recognize the seeds of gossip cropping up in your mind and deal with them at the moment they appear.
5. Realize that other people have not yet been perfected like you and God is still working in them (Romans 7)
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FEAR OF LIVING AN INSIGNIFICANT CHRISTIAN LIFE
Webster's dictionary definition of insignificant: meaningless, having no weight or effect, unimportant, trivial
Romans 8:15-16 "Insignificance Complex" > "Fear Again - The Bondage of"
 
How we build the "insignificance complex" into our thinking:
1. We compare ourselves with others concerning their jobs, position or ministries which leads to-
2. Wrong personal assessment which leads to-
3. Attaching insignificance to our thinking which leads to-
4. An attitude of insignificance which leads to:
    A. Shyness of personality
    B. Withdrawal
    C. Reclusive life - leads to pew warming and non-involvement
 
HOW TO BUILD BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE INTO YOUR LIFE
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE FLOWS FROM UNDERSTANDING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND HOW THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.
 
Significance in false religions is based on what I do. Significance in Christianity is based on what Christ has done. The believer is passive concerning salvation which means we do nothing to gain salvation only receive it, therefore, we draw our significance from Christ. This means every true Christian has significance regardless of social or medical standing.
 
HOW DO I RECOGNIZE MY SIGNIFICANCE - 1 Corinthians 2:12
Realize unsaved man's standing before God:
Psalm 5:5-7
Psalm 58:3-5
 
1. Redemption - 1 Peter 1:18-21 (Rev. 5:9-10)
A. Condescension of Christ - Vss 18-19
B. Crucifixion of Christ - Vs 20]
C. Completion of Salvation Plan - Vs 21
 
2. Resurrection of our souls (The first resurrection) - Rev. 20:5-6
1. Eph 2:1-6
2. Col. 2:13-14
3. Col. 3:1
4. The essence is we were once spiritually dead but God has made us spiritually alive. We received our resurrected souls, now we
    are alive unto God and dead to the world
 
3. Relocation - Romans 8:15
1. 2 Cor. 6:18
2. Gal. 3:26
3. Gal. 4:5-7
 
4. Restoration - Psalm 23:3
YOUR SIGNIFICANCE WAS ALWAYS THERE BUT YOU NEEDED TO RECOGNIZE IT! OPEN THY MOUTH WIDE AND I WILL FILL IT - Psalm 81:10-11
How wide will you open to God so he may fill you?
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MARY'S PRAISE OF GOD
Text: Luke 1:46-56
Vs 46 - Soul magnifies=praise, extols or exalts. Soul is the depth of our being
Vs 47 - "hath rejoiced" - literally "jumped for joy" - "God my Saviour" - shows the deity of Christ
Vs 48 - Hath regarded - look upon or have respect to Low estate - humiliation from recognizing her sinfulness
              handmaiden - doulos - doulos - servant
             "shall call me blessed" - James 5:11
Happiness or blessedness results from the endurance - Luke 2:34-35
Vs 49 - Great things - Grand, Magnificent - 1 Timothy 2:5
              Holy - she realizes this is a holy event tied to prophecy
             (No doubt she heard devout Jews everywhere praying for the Messiah to come)
Vs 50 - A picture of the gospel going forth - Genesis 17:7
Vs 51 - Shown strength - Psalm 17:7; Psalm 20:6
             God rejects the proud - James 4:6
              Imagination - thoughts - Romans 12:3
Vs 52 - Puts down mighty rulers - Raises and puts down kings
              Low degree - the downcast, lowly - Matthew 23:12
Vs 53 - The hungry
             Matthew 5:6 - Hungry for righteousness
             The Rich - Proverbs 13:7; Luke 6:24
Vs 54 - The promises in the OT of the coming of Messiah
Vs 55 - Galatians 3:29

 

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